Brewery Sanitation Technician

Department: Operations

Reports to: Packaging ManagerFLSA Status: Hourly, Non-exempt

Schedule: 10 hr. shift that typically runs 12:00 - 22:00. Shift “A” will be Sunday -> Wednesday and Shift “B” will run Wednesday -> Saturday

Position Summary: The Brewery Packaging Sanitation Technician & Line Operator will execute daily Clean-in-Place (CIP) and sanitation protocols on our canning, kegging, and packaging machinery to meet strict Brewery Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety standards. A successful candidate will be part of a team maintaining equipment needed for efficient, reliable beverage packaging. In addition to deep-cleaning and sanitation, this role is critical to maintaining momentum by leading material staging (cans, cartons, trays) for rapid AM startups, and stepping in as a relief packaging line operator to run the line during end-of-day peak production demands. Must be quality-conscious, operate safely, and communicate effectively.

Clean-in-Place (CIP) & Deep Sanitation: Execute automated and manual Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Clean-out-of-Place (COP) sanitization cycles on fillers, seamers, tanks, pipelines, and packaging machinery using sanitary tri-clamp fittings. Safely handle, mix, and perform titration checks on sanitation chemicals (caustic, acid, and sanitizers).Disassemble, clean, sanitize, inspect, and reassemble product-contact parts and line equipment. Perform routine preventive maintenance on packaging equipment and product-contact components. Complete sanitation records, chemical logs, and hygiene documentation accurately and on time.

Packaging Line Operation & End-of-Day Production: Act as a Relief Packaging Line Operator, taking over line operations (canning/kegging) for ~1 hour at the end of the shift when production demand dictates. Perform pre-operation checks, troubleshoot basic mechanical or operational issues, and support line improvements. Conduct in-line packaging quality control (QC) checks and collect samples for Quality Assurance (QA) testing.

AM Line Setup & Material Staging: Stage raw packaging materials (empty cans, ends, cartons, trays, pallets) to ensure a rapid, seamless morning startup for the next shift. Prepare, organize, and perform line changeovers for upcoming production runs. Maintain clean, safe, and clutter-free work areas, floors, and equipment surfaces throughout the facility.

Safety & Quality Compliance: Follow all established SOPs, GMPs, chemical safety, and food safety standards. Immediately report any food safety, quality, or mechanical concerns

Qualifications & Requirements: Age: Must be 21+ years of age

Experience: Previous experience in beverage packaging or high-speed food manufacturing is a plus Technical Savvy: Understanding of pressurized systems, chemical safety, and automated production machinery. Leadership: Proven ability to coach others, give constructive feedback, ability to operate without direct supervision. Licensing: Forklift operation experience is required.

Software: Proficiency in Excel and data entry for production logging.

Physical & Environmental Demands: Active Production: Ability to stand, crouch, and move within a loud, fast-paced manufacturing environment for extended periods. Strength: Must be able to lift up to 100 lbs. (maneuvering kegs) and perform repetitive movements. Conditions: Comfort working around water, steam, and cleaning chemicals in varying temperatures.

Core Competencies: Mechanical Aptitude: You don't just push buttons; you understand how the machine works. Sense of Urgency: You thrive in a "minutes matter" production environment. Attention to Detail: You notice an issue before it becomes a serious problem.